Join a world-leading research group as a PhD student in Quantum Nanoscience, where you will be working on the cutting edge of quantum charge transport phenomena in biological nanowires.
Job description
After use only a small amount of electric and electronic equipment often containing toxic compounds for the environment is being recycled; the remainder leads to a large e-waste problem that is going to be an even larger problem in the years to come. One solution to this problem is the use of non-toxic, biodegradable electronics. Make a difference by joining a world-leading research group working on the cutting-edge transport studies using biological nanowires. In a recent breakthrough experiment, we discovered that certain bacteria (cable bacteria) can conduct electricity over centimetre distances at conductivity levels surpassing that of many doped, man-made organic semiconductors. As a PhD student in Quantum Nanoscience at the vanderZant lab, you will be fabricating electronic circuits with bio-nanowires, measure their electronic properties and explore quantum transport phenomena in them.
You will conduct research on how biological nanowires conduct electricity and how this can be exploited for functional device components on the nanoscale. Depending on your interests in quantum transport phenomena, your research may be dedicated to the study of bio-transport in the mesoscopic regime. You will be responsible for the fabrication of devices in the state-of-the-art cleanroom at our Kavli Nanolaboratory. In addition, you will measure the transport properties at varying temperatures, gate and magnetic fields. A crucial aspect lies in the interpretation/modelling of the results. In this role, you will get to work with a variety of devices structures, with an emphasis on quantifying the transport mechanism. You’ll also be looking for signatures of quantum effects, especially at low temperatures where transport may involve phase coherent phenomena and quantum nuclear tunnelling.
You will join a diverse and driven team of academic staff, PhD students and postdocs in Delft. Fostering an inspiring, friendly and supportive environment, we meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge or socialize. In addition, you will receive all the training you need to evolve as a scientist in this fast-developing field. You’ll closely collaborate with biologists (including PhD students) in Belgium, who provide the cable bacteria.
Job requirements
As a highly motivated researcher, you want to work on the cutting edge of science. You can work well in a multicultural team and liaise with relevant stakeholders to get all the information you require as quickly as possible thanks to your independent mindset and well-rounded communication skills. Creative and flexible, you thrive on creating your own models and exploring the unknown.
You also have:
- A Master’s degree in Physics or Nanophysics with a strong interest in (quantum) charge transport phenomena and mesoscopic physics; affinity with biology is highly recommended.
- Familiarity with experimental techniques for clean-room fabrication and sensitive electrical measurements is highly recommended; a good command over programming languages such as Python used for data acquisition and analysis is required.
- A good command of English because you will be working in an international environment.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. H.S.J. van der Zant, h.s.j.vanderzant@tudelft.nl.
The postion is open from 1-1-2026.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 December 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Cover letter. The cover letter should include (1) a brief personal introduction, (2) an explanation of how your previous studies and experience have prepared you for this PhD position, and (3) why you are interested in this position. The maximum length is one page.
You can address your application to Prof. H.S.J. van der Zant.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
